For the first time in its nearly 37 years of existence, Human Kinetics has sold more than one million copies of a single title—the English translation of "Strength Training Anatomy" by French journalist and anatomical illustrator Frédéric Delavier. The first edition was released in 2001, and the third edition was released early this year.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this book to sell one million copies," says Human Kinetics CEO Brian Holding, who first discovered "Strength Training Anatomy" during a meeting with Delavier's original French publisher, Christina Vigot, at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany. "But one look at Delavier's illustrations is enough to capture the attention of readers. Those illustrations bring to life the models who posed for him." The book features more than 600 full-color illustrations.
"Strength Training Anatomy" has been translated into more than 30 languages and spawned Human Kinetics' "Anatomy" series, which also includes Delavier's "Women's Strength Training Anatomy." The Anatomy series has accounted for 1.8 million copies sold since its inception.
"It's an amazing book, one that continues to resonate with audiences as much today as it did when it debuted nearly a decade ago," says Jason Muzinic, Human Kinetics trade division director, of "Strength Training Anatomy." "From sales to content to presentation, 'Strength Training Anatomy' is the standard by which future anatomy titles will forever be judged."
Delavier's follow-up to "Strength Training Anatomy," titled "Strength Training Anatomy Workout" and co-written with Michael Gundill, will be released in March 2011.